Keeping my family healthy, keeping my family happy

Protein Pumpkin Pancakes (Gluten Free)

Boxed pancake mix is another processed food I have just recently gotten away from. The boxes and Bisquick are just so easy, but homemade recipes only take about 5 more minutes. I can take 5 minutes for my health. I have found my base recipe, after LOTS of trial and error and mushy pancakes. I like the addition of greek yogurt and skim milk for protein. I also like to make sure it uses all whole grain, and has a source of healthy fats. And if I can sneak a veggie or fruit in there, all the better. This recipe is fall inspired of course and is even gluten free.

Pumpkin Greek Yogurt Pancakes:

serves 2 (5 medium sized pancakes per serving)

1 cup old fashioned oats

2 Tbs ground flax seed

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1 Tbs sugar

1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup greek yogurt

1/2 cup skim milk

1/2 cup pumpkin puree

2 eggs

2 Tbs mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans (optional)

Place milk, greek yogurt, and pumpkin in microwave safe bowl. Warm it up for 45-60 seconds. You want to take the chill off it and warm it slightly, but not have it too terribly hot. This will help activate the baking powder when mixed together and make for fluffy pancakes. Don’t skip this, the pancakes will not fluff up.

Mix together wet, dry ingredients, and chocolate chips and stir JUST until combined. Don’t over stir or else again, they won’t fluff up.

Let sit for 5-10 minutes for the baking powder and soda to activate. The batter should get more airy while it sits.

Batter will be kind of thick. Cook on griddle set to 325F. Since batter is thick, spread it out slightly with the back of the spoon.

I love that these have lots of healthy fats from natural sources. Lately, I have been trying to make sure my food has more healthy fats for the growing brains of my babies. And it helps me stay full longer too.

Nutritional Information: not including add ins

Calories: 280

Fat: 9 g

Sodium: 173 mg (7%)

Carbohydrates: 34 g

Dietary Fiber: 6 g

Sugars: 15 g

Protein:17 g

The chocolate chips take the pancakes to 340 calories per serving, but no syrup is needed. Or just have a little of both!